Anxiety decisions — 2026

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected generalized anxiety disorder with residual head trauma and post-concussion syndrome (TBI) is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and an addendum opinion regarding the diagnoses of ataxia, dysarthria, and dysphagia.

The Veteran's service-connected other specified trauma and stressor related disorder is granted at a 50% rating from July 21, 2011 to August 15, 2020. The Board also granted an effective date of February 9, 2006 for the grant of service connection.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for his psychiatric disability (insomnia and anxiety) prior to March 28, 2018 was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the severity of symptoms during this period.

The Board has readjudicated the service connection claim for PTSD, GAD, and Somatic Symptom Disorder due to new evidence submitted after the September 2017 rating decision. However, the Veteran does not have an acquired psychiatric disorder that originated in service or is otherwise etiologically related to his active service.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 50 percent for his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder is denied. The current rating of 50 percent adequately reflects the severity and impact of his mental health symptoms.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeal for service connection for left shin splints. The Veteran's claim for service connection for major depressive disorder with unspecified anxiety disorder is granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection of acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and anxiety/depression. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered with a new VA examination to determine if there is a link between his current mental health conditions and his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a DSM-5 compliant diagnosis of an acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically unspecified anxiety disorder. Therefore, service connection is denied.

The Board has found that VA did not comply with its duty to assist the appellant and thus remanded for a VA examination regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has determined that there are errors in the decision-making process and requires additional development to ensure compliance with VA's duty to assist. The Veteran is entitled to service connection for various conditions, but further evidence is needed due to missing service records.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with anxiety and depression is found to be aggravated by his service-connected left shoulder disability, warranting service connection for these conditions.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's VR&E benefits and services application was not granted due to a lack of evidence in the claims file. The case is being remanded for further evaluation by a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC).

The Board has decided to remand the claims for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD with depressive, anxiety, and chronic tic disorders and the claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran's treatment records from Dr. J.S., obtained through VA's Community Care Network, need to be considered, as well as further development on the TDIU claim.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder, persistent depressive disorder, and somatic symptom disorder.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, attention deficit disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, and anxiety, is considered to have resulted from events that occurred during his active military service. The Board granted the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for Generalized Anxiety Disorder with Panic Attacks and Recurrent Major Depressive Disorder, as well as his request for a total disability rating due to individual unemployability, were granted effective July 23, 2019.

An effective date of November 12, 2023 is awarded for a 70 percent rating for Generalized Anxiety Disorder and for entitlement to Total Disability Rating for Compensation Based on Individual Unemployability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further examination and evaluation of his service connection claims for left knee condition, right knee condition, lumbosacral condition, asthma, and GERD.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further examination and opinion regarding service connection claims for unspecified anxiety disorder, OSA, migraine headaches, a disorder manifested by fatigue, and a disorder manifested by sleep disturbances. The Veteran's statements about symptoms during service are considered in these evaluations.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, which includes unspecified bipolar disorder and anxiety disorder with stimulant use disorder. The decision is based on a finding that the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder had its onset in service.